Dubai is often recognized for its futuristic skyline, luxurious shopping malls, and lavish lifestyle. But there’s far more to this fascinating city than meets the eye.
Yes, that’s right, Dubai is a city, not a country. It’s one of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE), whose capital is Abu Dhabi.
From Fishing Village to Global Metropolis
Before oil was discovered in the 1960s, Dubai was a modest fishing and pearling village with only a few thousand inhabitants.
In just a few decades, it transformed into one of the world’s most dynamic cities, a modern-day metropolis built on innovation and ambition.
Camels, Passports, and a Unique Heritage
In the UAE, camels are deeply valued, not only for their historical importance but also for racing and beauty contests.
Camel milk is a common alternative to cow’s milk in local supermarkets. Interestingly, every camel has its own passport to verify its lineage and prevent theft, similar to how Wagyu cattle are tracked in Japan.
A City Built by Cranes
During the height of Dubai’s construction boom in the mid-2000s, it was said that about 20% of the world’s cranes were operating there.
Those cranes built the iconic skyline that now defines Dubai, from the Burj Khalifa to the twisting Cayan Tower and countless luxury developments that continue to reshape the horizon.
Luxury Patrol Cars and Shared Taxis
Dubai’s police force is famous for its fleet of luxury supercars, think Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and even Bugattis. These cars aren’t just for show; they patrol tourist zones and highways, ensuring that safety moves just as fast as style.
But long before Teslas and high-end taxis ruled the streets, Dubai had shared taxis in the 1980s and early 1990s. Commuters would chip in a few dirhams each to share rides across town, a stark contrast to today’s sleek transport options. It’s almost impossible to imagine now, but it’s a charming reminder of the city’s humble past.
You can read more about the shared taxis and life back then in this article, where my family was featured in the Gulf News, as my father narrates how he settled in Dubai from Sri Lanka.
Related: 30 Interesting Facts About Dubai That You Might Not Know
Skiing in the Desert
Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates offers real snow, ski slopes, and even adorable penguins (some of which are brown, not black and white!). It’s an icy escape from the desert heat, where summer temperatures can soar above 45°C and sometimes reach 50°C.
Home to the Tallest Building in the World
At a staggering 828 meters tall, the Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world. On a clear day, it can be seen from as far as 95 kilometers away, a true symbol of Dubai’s ambition and engineering genius.
A Global City of Expats
Interestingly, Emiratis make up less than 15% of Dubai’s population.
The rest, about 85 to 90 percent, are expats from all corners of the world, particularly India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, as well as Europe and North America. This incredible mix makes Dubai one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the planet.
Related: Should You Move to Dubai in 2025? Expat & Digital Nomad Guide
Islands Visible from Space
Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands are man-made marvels visible even from space. Shaped like a palm tree and a world map, respectively, these islands were once stalled during the 2009 recession but have since bounced back, featuring luxury resorts, private villas, and boutique hotels.
Many of these islands can now be reached by boat, and some are even for sale.
The Palm Jumeirah is, however, complete, the structure of it that is. More hotels and homes are still being added. The World Islands project is still not yet complete.
Airports and Air-Conditioned Bus Stops
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is among the busiest airports in the world, handling over 90 million passengers annually, thanks in part to Emirates Airlines’ vast global network.
Dubai is, however, planning to move its operations from DXB to the Al Makhtoum International Airport as it aims to handle more passengers. This move will occur in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2032.
Air-conditioned bus stops are common throughout the city. They’re a lifesaver during the peak of summer. However, in some areas, the cooling systems were shut down after being misused as temporary shelters by individuals unable to return home, a reminder that even a city as polished as Dubai has its human challenges.
A City That Never Stops Evolving
From fishing village to futuristic metropolis, Dubai’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a city that thrives on reinvention, whether that’s building ski slopes in the desert, creating islands from the sea, or blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation.
If you are visiting Dubai for the first time, have a look at our first-time travelers to Dubai guide to get tips and hacks to help you in your journey.
Related: While in Dubai, Should I pay Using Local Currency or Home Currency?
